Galapagos Legend: Itinerary Central & Northern Islands (A)

After arriving at Baltra Airport, you’ll be transferred to the pier to board your cruise. In the afternoon, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, where lush forests contrast with coastal landscapes. Here, you’ll encounter giant tortoises roaming freely, along with a variety of birds, including finches, vermillion flycatchers, and cattle egrets. The journey through different ecosystems offers a unique perspective on the island’s biodiversity.

Begin your day exploring El Barranco, where dramatic lava cliffs serve as nesting grounds for Nazca and red-footed boobies. Walking through the Palo Santo forest, you may spot short-eared owls and Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels flying in all directions. Later, visit Darwin Bay, where a picturesque coral beach leads to tidal lagoons inhabited by swallow-tailed gulls and herons. The area is home to one of the largest colonies of red-footed boobies in the Galapagos.

Start with a walk along a brackish lagoon on Dragon Hill, where flamingos, land iguanas, and Darwin’s finches thrive in a dry forest setting. Then, visit Santa Fe Island, known for its white sand beaches and a large colony of sea lions. Walk through an endemic cactus forest that provides habitat for the Santa Fe land iguana, one of the largest in the archipelago. The island is also home to the Galapagos hawk, snakes, and unique rodent species.

Your final morning takes you to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz, a major nesting site for sea turtles. The tranquil beach is bordered by mangroves and lagoons where flamingos, marine iguanas, and coastal birds can be seen. You’ll also find remnants of World War II barges that gave the beach its name. After this final exploration, transfer back to the airport for your return flight.